EDITOR’S NOTE I WOULD BE FINE if I never again hear the phrases “the new normal” or “in these challenging times.” Unfortunately, both terms are going vernacular, as we remain in the midst of incredibly challenging times, and it will be awhile until we discover what our new normal is. Yes, the past few months have ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR been a strain on all of us, but for those experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty, the obstacles have been numerous and brutal. While many citizens spilled onto city streets throughout the country because they wanted to go to the gym or beauty salons, those without stable housing were more concerned than usual about where they would wash their hands, store their personal belongings in the event of a sweep, or shelter-in-place when there was no place to shelter. In this issue’s “In Your Own Words,” four of our vendors share their thoughts about COVID-19. Raelene Johnson encourages VOICE readers to reconcile with the pain of their past. Kendall Clarke shares a “letter from COVID-19,” while Brian Augustine expresses the difficulty he had while isolated from the work and people he so enjoys chatting with when he vends papers. Lando Allen writes about conversations he had and observations he made during the shutdown. In the early stages of the shutdown, news shows, leaders emphasized advertisers, and community the message, “We are all in this together,” but very few of us PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen Rea Brown WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. WRITERS Val U Able Lando Allen Brian Augustine Paula Bard Sue Blosten Giles Clasen Kendall Clarke Robert Davis Raelene Johnson Sue Volle BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins experienced being cast aside because there wasn’t enough room to shelter us. Because the shutdown resulted in the loss of many jobs, to become part our it is likely that we will see an increase in homelessness. For those individuals, the concept of returning to normal or figuring out what a new normal will look like is a luxury and one more thing I take for granted. ■ JUNE CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. DENVERVOICE.ORG @denverVOICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Justin Canelas INTERIM ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR Daniel Cohen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • 303.539.7226 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 1600 Downing St., Ste. 230, Denver, CO 80218 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE June 2020 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
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